Why cramping before period

If you feel more pain and believe you may have any of these conditions, it is best to speak to your doctor straight away. They will do some checks and let you know whether you have these conditions or not. We hope we have answered all of your questions about cramping symptoms and how to ease the pain. However, if you think that it may be a more severe condition, the best course of action would be to speak to us.

If you need to talk to experienced doctors, Carreras Medical Center can help. Located in Hialeah, Florida, we can give you all the advice you need to ensure you stay as healthy as possible. Why not book an appointment today? We will help you ease the pain of period cramping and any other conditions you may have. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

View Larger Image. Why Do Period Cramps Happen? Here are some of the reasons you could have cramping before your period begins: Before your menstrual cycle, your body produces hormones supposed to help signal your body through menstruation.

It is possible for women to physically feel the egg when it is prepared to be fertilized every month. For the few who feel this soft and mostly painless feeling, it can signal the beginning of menstruation.

Whereas for others, the preparation of the egg to be fertilized can feel the same as period cramps. Heat Therapy Heat therapy is often used for healing and easing the pain of those with arm or leg muscle injuries. Exercise Although it may feel painful initially, some forms of gentle exercise, like yoga, can help. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs OTC painkillers are often very effective in alleviating the pain of menstrual cramps.

Herbs There are many different types of herbs that can help ease the pain of stomach cramps. Magnesium Magnesium, best known for its muscle relaxation properties, is an excellent pick for alleviating cramping pains. Take a look at some of the conditions that trigger uncomfortable period cramps below: Uterine Fibroids The noncancerous growths of the uterus caused by uterine fibroids trigger cramps.

This mineral may be effective in lessening menstrual pain over time, and reducing the need for pain medication. You might also experience pain in the middle of your cycle during ovulation. Menstrual cramps are very common: In Clue, about 3 in 4 people report experiencing cramps just before or during their period. Most people first notice menstrual cramps about 6 months to a year after getting their first period 1.

At first, they may come and go, and then happen in all or most cycles as ovulation happens more frequently. People typically feel their cramps just before or at the time when bleeding begins each cycle.

They usually last about one to three days. They may start strong and feel better as the hours pass, or come and go more randomly. Cramps can be barely noticeable, or quite painful or severe 2. Moderate to intense pain is more common 2 to 3 years after your first period menarche and usually gets better after age 20, or after pregnancy and birth 2.

Menstrual cramps that are severe are usually associated with medical conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis. Keeping track of your pain with an app, like Clue , can be helpful. Getting familiar with the basics of menstrual cycle-related pain can help you understand if your pain might be something to talk to your healthcare provider about. Primary dysmenorrhea the clinical word for painful periods is pain caused by the period itself. Secondary dysmenorrhea is period pain with another root cause, such as a health condition like endometriosis.

This article discusses primary dysmenorrhea. Menstrual cramps are most likely caused by an excess of prostaglandins —hormone-like compounds that are released from the uterine lining the endometrium as it prepares to be shed. Prostaglandins help the uterus contract and relax, so that the endometrium can detach and flow out of your body. They are a necessary part of the process, but in excess, they cause pain if the uterus contracts strongly, blood flow is reduced, and the supply of oxygen to the uterus muscle tissue decreases, causing pain 5.

Inflammation may play a role. The production of prostaglandins is related to inflammation, and inflamed tissue tends to produce more prostaglandins 6. People who experience more menstrual pain have also been shown to have higher levels of inflammatory markers in the blood, even after adjustment for factors related to chronic inflammation, like BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption 7.

Inflammation has also been linked to the worsening of other premenstrual symptoms, including mood changes. People are more likely to have painful periods if they have heavy or long period bleeding, if they started menstruating early in life, or if their periods are irregular 8, 9.

Other factors that have been associated with painful periods include smoking, being thin, being younger than 30, having a pelvic infection, and being sterilized 8. Research done by Clue with Oxford University also found that Clue users with undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections STIs were more likely to experience certain premenstrual symptoms, including cramps, than those without STIs With this condition, tissue similar to that found in your uterus endometrial tissue grows outside your uterus on your ovaries, bowels, or abdomen.

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect the tissue, causing pain and inflammation as much as a week before the period should begin. Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths on your uterus. Some people who experience fibroids have no symptoms, and others may feel pain or discomfort. Symptoms may include:. Ovarian cysts develop on an ovary.

Most cysts will go away without treatment, though you may experience certain side effects while the cyst is present. These side effects include:. This usually happens close to the time a period is expected, but depending on when ovulation and conception occurred, the implantation cramping could happen as much as a week before your period. Some feel nothing during ovulation, and others will feel a twinge of cramping when an egg is released.

You may also see discharge or spotting accompany ovulation pain. Certain lifestyle changes and other factors may cause your period to come early. A trip to the yoga studio or even just a brisk walk and talk session on the gym treadmills can make a big difference in your menstrual cramp symptoms.

Menstrual cramps are usually made worse by stress and since exercise is a natural way to lower stress, you may not feel your symptoms much at all. Avoid tight clothes, especially at the waist. They only hurt the stomach and further compressing it causes discomfort. Opt for your favorite dresses instead of jeans. Orgasms relieve all kinds of pain, including our menstrual cramps.

Before an orgasm, the uterus is more relaxed and at the moment of climax, blood flow increases, which helps to relieve the cramps.

Orgasms additionally relieve cramps by the release of endorphins, which instantly help you feel better. According to a survey on MensHealth. Our advice? Go all out and deal with the sheets in the morning. Try a hot bath or a heating pad. Get in bed, relax and put something hot right over your lower abdomen for quick, soothing relief. You can buy heating pads and hot water bottles at your local drugstore, but you can make your own too.

Simply get an old sock, fill it with uncooked white rice, tie it up and microwave for one or two minutes. Certain acupuncture points are thought to regulate blood flow through the abdominal cavity and relax the nervous system, which can help ease menstrual cramps. Studies show that acupuncture is just as effective as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines for reducing pain.

Lie down in a comfortable place and relax your mind before smearing your hands with your favorite lotion. Then, begin to slowly move your palms over your bellybutton in small circular movements. After a minute or so, begin to apply some pressure. You will find sensitive spots around the belly button.

Apply adequate pressure to these spots in order to relieve your cramps. Listen to your body, nourish it with the proper nutrients and exercise your soul. What do you change in your routine before, during or after your period to help ease your cramps? Let us know in the comments. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Janet Brito. Follow bloodmilkwomen on Instagram. For any medical concerns, we always advise consulting a medical professional.

Good lesson. Pls am awaiting lady trying to convince. I have been having this muscle issue since 2years ago ,I have been started to link it to my childless. Expect all these what can I use as a pill?

I have to wear a gurle at times. I get very tiresome during the early afternoon. I take short naps. It gets more painful sitting down. Plz give me some advice. I am cramping and I am due for aunt flow tomorrow but today makes that 30 day cycle for me.